As training camp and the 2026-27 NBA season slowly approach, it is time to start taking a look at what each member of the Los Angeles Lakers should be working on this summer and how each of them can help the team be as successful as it can be.
Therefore, LeBron Wire is outlining three goals for each Lakers player this coming season.
The way the team's roster is set, Kevon Looney will be counted on to play a key role as its backup center behind Walker Kessler. Many feel Looney is well past his prime, but he can still be helpful if he accomplishes these three goals.
Remain a prolific rebounder
Looney's main strength has always been his rebounding, especially during his 10 seasons with the dynastic Golden State Warriors. Despite being undersized for the 5 position in the NBA
at 6-foot-9 and 222 pounds, he has always played much bigger than his listed height and weight, and he performs with lots of heart and desire.
He has a career average of 5.7 rebounds in 17.1 minutes a game, and a decent number of his rebounds have come off the offensive boards. Even last season, when he appeared in just 21 games for the New Orleans Pelicans, he pulled down 5.6 rebounds in 14.7 minutes a game.
Rebounding has been a relative weakness for the Lakers over the last few years, and Looney can help in that category.
Be an effective defender
Throughout his career, Looney has been known as a strong defender, not just against big men but even against smaller wings when he has switched onto them.
The perception is that his defense has fallen off quite a bit recently. But if he still effectively guards his man on a consistent basis, Looney can be a solid backup center for the Lakers.
Stay healthy
Some are concerned that Kessler, who played only five games last season before a torn labrum ended his campaign, will suffer some sort of significant injury this season. Many probably have the same concern about Looney.
Last year in the preseason, he had a sprained ligament in his left knee, and he later dealt with knee and heel issues during the regular season. If Looney isn't available very often, the Lakers could have some real depth issues in the middle.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers player goals for 2026-27 season: Kevon Looney
